Multimode USB-C power transmission and conversion supporting improved battery utilization

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods are provided for powering an Information Handling System (IHS) that receives a high-power transmission from a multimode AC adapter supporting USB-PD transmission and also supporting the high-power transmissions of a voltage greater than the supported USB-PD voltages. A power circuit converts the high-power transmission to a charging voltage used to charge a battery system of the IHS. After the multimode AC adapter is unplugged from the IHS, power is drawing power from the battery system of the IHS. When the battery system drops below a low-voltage threshold, the power drawn from the battery system is routed to the same power circuit. While operating this low-voltage threshold, power is drawn from the battery system via the power circuit. When the battery system drops below a second low-voltage threshold, an off power state of the IHS is initiated.

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to Information Handling Systems(IHSs), and more specifically, to powering portable IHSs.

BACKGROUND

As the value and use of information continues to increase, individualsand businesses seek additional ways to process and store information.One option is an Information Handling System (IHS). An IHS generallyprocesses, compiles, stores, and/or communicates information or data forbusiness, personal, or other purposes. Because technology andinformation handling needs and requirements may vary between differentapplications, IHSs may also vary regarding what information is handled,how the information is handled, how much information is processed,stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the informationmay be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in IHSs allowfor IHSs to be general or configured for a specific user or specific usesuch as financial transaction processing, airline reservations,enterprise data storage, global communications, etc. In addition, IHSsmay include a variety of hardware and software components that may beconfigured to process, store, and communicate information and mayinclude one or more computer systems, data storage systems, andnetworking systems.

Certain IHSs, such as laptops, tablets and mobile phones, are portableand are designed to operate using power supplied by rechargeablebatteries. Power drawn from an electrical outlet may be used to chargethe batteries of a portable IHS. Since the batteries of IHSs operateusing DC (Direct Current) power, an AC adapter (i.e., AC/DC adapter orAC/DC converter) is required to convert the AC power from the walloutlet to DC power that can be used to charge the batteries. In someinstances, AC adapters may provide DC power to an IHS via a cylindrical,barrel connector that couples with a corresponding DC power portreceptable of the IHS. In some instances, DC power may be additionallyor alternatively provided via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) coupling. TheUSB Power Delivery (USB-PD) Specification specifies communicationsbetween an AC adapter and an IHS that enable negotiation of varioussupply voltages that are supported by the AC adapter and that may beprovided to the IHS via a USB port. The IHS utilizes the provided powerin charging one or more rechargeable batteries of a battery system, fromwhich the IHS powers the operations of the IHS. In many instances, aportion of the energy stored in a battery system is not useable by anIHS once the voltage output of the battery system drops into alow-voltage range.

SUMMARY

In various embodiments, methods are provided for powering an InformationHandling System (IHS). The methods may include: receiving a high-powertransmission from a multimode AC adapter, wherein the multimode ACadapter supports USB-PD transmission and also supports the high-powertransmissions of a voltage greater than voltages of the supported USB-PDtransmissions; charging a battery system of the IHS using an output of apower circuit that converts the high-power transmission to a chargingvoltage; drawing power from the battery system of the IHS; when thebattery system drops below a low-voltage threshold, routing the powerdrawn from the battery system to the power circuit; drawing power fromthe battery system of the IHS via the power circuit; and when thebattery system drops below a second low-voltage threshold, initiating anoff power state of the IHS.

In additional method embodiments, the high-power transmission comprisesa nominal voltage greater than 50 volts and a peak voltage not exceeding60 volts. In additional method embodiments, routing the power drawn fromthe battery system to the power circuit increases the voltage of thepower drawn from the battery system while operating below thelow-voltage threshold. In additional method embodiments, routing thepower drawn from the battery system to the power circuit decreases thecurrent of the power drawn from the battery system while operating belowthe low-voltage threshold. In additional method embodiments, the powercircuit comprises a plurality of digital voltage dividers operable forconverting the high-power charging transmission to the charging voltage.In additional method embodiments, the power circuit comprises inductiveand capacitive boost capabilities operable for converting power drawnfrom the battery system. In additional method embodiments, the secondlow-voltage threshold corresponds to a protection mode of the batterysystem. In additional method embodiments, routing the power drawn fromthe battery system to the power circuit reduces heat generated whileoperating below the low-voltage threshold.

In various additional embodiments, systems are provided for powering anInformation Handling System (IHS). The systems may include: a multimodeAC (Alternating Current) adapter; configured to supply powertransmissions comprising USB-PD (Universal Serial Bus Power Delivery)transmissions and further comprising high-power transmissions of avoltage greater than voltages of the of USB-PD transmissions; and theIHS configured to: receive the high-power transmission from a multimodeAC adapter; charge a battery system of the IHS using an output of apower circuit that converts the high-power transmission to a chargingvoltage; draw power from the battery system of the IHS; when the batterysystem drops below a low-voltage threshold, route the power drawn fromthe battery system to the power circuit; draw power from the batterysystem of the IHS via the power circuit; and when the battery systemdrops below a second low-voltage threshold, initiate an off power stateof the IHS.

In additional system embodiments, the high-power charging transmissioncomprises a nominal voltage greater than 50 volts and a peak voltage notexceeding 60 volts. In additional system embodiments, routing the powerdrawn from the battery system to the power circuit increases the voltageof the power drawn from the battery system while operating below thelow-voltage threshold. In additional system embodiments, routing thepower drawn from the battery system to the power circuit decreases thecurrent of the power drawn from the battery system while operating belowthe low-voltage threshold. In additional system embodiments, the secondlow-voltage threshold corresponds to a protection mode of the batterysystem. In additional system embodiments, the power circuit comprises aplurality of digital voltage dividers operable for converting thehigh-power charging transmission to the charging voltage, and whereinthe power circuit further comprises inductive and capacitive boostcapabilities operable for converting power drawn from the batterysystem. In additional system embodiments, routing the power drawn fromthe battery system to the power circuit reduces heat generated whileoperating below the low-voltage threshold.

In various additional embodiments, Information Handling Systems (IHSs)are provided power transmissions using a multimode AC adapter. The IHSsmay include: one or more processors; a memory device coupled to the oneor more processors, the memory device storing computer-readableinstructions that, upon execution by the one or more processors, causeexecution of an operating system of the IHS; a battery system; and anembedded controller comprising a memory having program instructionsstored thereon that, upon execution by a logic unit of the embeddedcontroller, cause the embedded controller to: receive a high-powertransmission from a multimode AC adapter, wherein the multimode ACadapter supports USB-PD transmission and also supports the high-powertransmissions of a voltage greater than voltages of the supported USB-PDtransmissions; charge a battery system of the IHS using an output of apower circuit that converts the high-power transmission to a chargingvoltage; draw power from the battery system of the IHS; when the batterysystem drops below a low-voltage threshold, route the power drawn fromthe battery system to the power circuit; draw power from the batterysystem of the IHS via the power circuit; and when the battery systemdrops below a second low-voltage threshold, initiate an off power stateof the IHS. In additional system embodiments, the high-power chargingtransmission comprises a nominal voltage greater than 50 volts and apeak voltage not exceeding 60 volts. In additional system embodiments,routing the power drawn from the battery system to the power circuitincreases the voltage of the power drawn from the battery system whileoperating below the low-voltage threshold. In additional systemembodiments, routing the power drawn from the battery system to thepower circuit decreases the current of the power drawn from the batterysystem while operating below the low-voltage threshold. In additionalsystem embodiments, the second low-voltage threshold corresponds to aprotection mode of the battery system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention(s) is/are illustrated by way of example and is/arenot limited by the accompanying figures, in which like referencesindicate similar elements. Elements in the figures are illustrated forsimplicity and clarity, and have not necessarily been drawn to scale.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting certain components of an IHSoperable according to various embodiments for multimode power conversionin support of improved battery utilization.

FIG. 2A is a diagram depicting certain components of a multimode USB-Cpower supply system, according to various embodiments, that includes anAC adapter coupled to an IHS that is a laptop computer.

FIG. 2B is a diagram depicting certain additional components of amultimode power supply system, according to various embodiments, thatincludes an AC adapter that is coupled to an IHS.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart diagram illustrating certain steps of a processaccording to various embodiments multimode power conversion in supportof improved battery utilization.

FIG. 4 is a graph diagram illustrating certain aspects of the operationof a system configured according to various embodiments for providingmultimode power conversion in support of improved battery utilization.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For purposes of this disclosure, an IHS may include any instrumentalityor aggregate of instrumentalities operable to compute, calculate,determine, classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate,switch, store, display, communicate, manifest, detect, record,reproduce, handle, or utilize any form of information, intelligence, ordata for business, scientific, control, or other purposes. For example,an IHS may be a personal computer (e.g., desktop or laptop), tabletcomputer, mobile device (e.g., Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) or smartphone), server (e.g., blade server or rack server), a network storagedevice, or any other suitable device and may vary in size, shape,performance, functionality, and price. An IHS may include Random AccessMemory (RAM), one or more processing resources, such as a CentralProcessing Unit (CPU) or hardware or software control logic, Read-OnlyMemory (ROM), and/or other types of nonvolatile memory.

Additional components of an IHS may include one or more disk drives, oneor more network ports for communicating with external devices as well asvarious I/O devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, touchscreen, and/or avideo display. An IHS may also include one or more buses operable totransmit communications between the various hardware components. Anexample of an IHS is described in more detail below. FIG. 1 shows anexample of an IHS configured to implement the systems and methodsdescribed herein according to certain embodiments. It should beappreciated that although certain IHS embodiments described herein maybe discussed in the context of a personal computing device, otherembodiments may be utilized.

As described, certain portable IHSs may utilize AC adapters forproviding power from an electrical outlet that is converted to a DCoutput that is used in powering a portable IHS and/or recharginginternal batteries of a portable IHS. As IHSs become thinner, and thusmore portable, it is preferable that the AC adapters used for chargingportable IHSs also remain as thin and as portable as possible. Theadoption of thinner charging connectors promotes thin portable IHSs andthin AC adapters. For instance, USB-C connectors may support providingan IHS with charging inputs and may be considerably thinner than USBType A connectors, as well as being thinner than the cylindrical barrelconnectors that are commonly supported by IHS power ports.

While IHSs become increasingly thinner and more portable, the powerrequirements for portable IHSs are not necessarily decreasing. Asdescribed with regard to FIG. 1, certain portable IHSs such as laptopsmay include multi-core processors, a separate graphics processor,significant amounts of memory, persistent storage drives, specializedmicrocontrollers and one or more integrated displays. Such highperformance portable IHSs may have significant power demands, in somecases greater than 200 watts. In some instances, portable IHSs may havepower demands as high as 250 watts. In many instances, portable IHSs mayalso be expected to serve as a source of power for external devicescoupled to the portable IHS. USB-C power adapters utilize thin cablingthat limits power transmissions to 5 amps. Since charging voltagesspecified by USB-PD protocols are limited to 20 volts, existing USB-Cpower adapters are limited to providing less than 100 watts of power.

In order to be classified as NEC (National Electrical Code) Class 2 orClass 3 power supply units, the output of a power supply must be lessthan 60 volts. Power supplies with voltage outputs greater than 60 voltsmay be considered to pose a risk of fire or electric shock and may thusbe subject to additional circuit protection requirements. Accordingly,embodiments provide support for AC power adapters capable oftransmitting output voltages up to 60 volts that may be used to provideupwards of 200 watts of power to IHSs. As described in additional detailbelow, embodiments may support transmission of supply voltages up to 60volts via USB-C couplings and may convert the transmitted supply voltageto high-power charging outputs greater than 200 watts through the use ofa high-efficiency, high-power conversion circuit of the IHS. Poweradapters according to embodiments that support transmission of supplyvoltages up to 60 volts may be USB-C power adapters that utilize thevarious pins supported by USB-C connectors to support use of data linesand power supply lines between an IHS and a coupled device. Using theseUSB-C couplings, the power supply lines may support bi-directionalcharge transfer where the IHS may either be supplied with power or mayserve as a source of power. Using the high-power conversion circuit ofIHS embodiments, USB-C power adapter may support transmission ofvoltages of up to 60 volts, as well as transmission of supply voltagessupported by the USB-PD specifications (e.g., 5V, 9V, 15V, 20V), thusproviding multimode charging outputs.

The power supplied via an AC adapter may be used to charge the internalbatteries of an IHS. Once the AC adapter is unplugged, power is drawnfrom the batteries for use in powering the operations of the IHS and, insome cases, to provide power to external devices coupled to the IHS. Inmany instances, however, not all of the power stored within the batterysystem can be efficiently utilized. As a battery reaches a low-voltagecondition, generating a constant supply of power results in increasedcurrents in the power circuit and traces used to delivery power from thebattery. In order to continue to draw power from a battery in alow-voltage condition, the power circuit and power delivery traces mustbe designed to account for delivery of power at high currents. In someinstances, supporting high-power operations of an IHS from a low-voltagebattery system may result in currents greater than 15 amps in the powercircuit. As described in additional detail below, embodiments supportdrawing power from a low-voltage battery system through operation of ahigh-power conversion circuit also used to support high-powertransmissions from a multimode AC adapter.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting certain components of an IHS 100operable according to various embodiments for multimode power conversionin support of improved battery utilization. A multimode power adaptermay provide IHS 100 with high-power transmissions via a USB-C coupling,such as power transmissions exceeding 200 watts, while also supportingUSB-PD power transmissions. As described in additional detail below, IHS100 may utilize a high-power conversion circuit 128 for use inefficiently converting the supply high-power transmission to a voltagesuitable for use by the IHS. Also as described in additional detailbelow, embodiments may additionally utilize this high-power conversioncircuit 128 when drawing power from battery system 124 in order toimprove the utilization of the energy stored in the battery system andto reduce the need to utilize high-currents when drawing power frombattery system 124 during low-voltage conditions. In variousembodiments, IHS 100 may include an embedded controller 126 thatincludes logic that executes program instructions, in conjunction withoperations by components of power supply unit 115 and USB controller111, to perform the operations disclosed herein for configuringmultimode USB-C power transmission and conversion. While a single IHS100 is illustrated in FIG. 1, IHS 100 may be a component of anenterprise system that may include any number of additional IHSs thatmay also be configured in the same or similar manner to IHS 100.

IHS 100 includes one or more processors 101, such as a CentralProcessing Unit (CPU), that execute code retrieved from a system memory105. Although IHS 100 is illustrated with a single processor 101, otherembodiments may include two or more processors, that may each beconfigured identically, or to provide specialized processing functions.Processor 101 may include any processor capable of executing programinstructions, such as an Intel Pentium™ series processor or anygeneral-purpose or embedded processors implementing any of a variety ofInstruction Set Architectures (ISAs), such as the x86, POWERPC®, ARM®,SPARC®, or MIPS® ISAs, or any other suitable ISA.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the processor 101 includes an integratedmemory controller 118 that may be implemented directly within thecircuitry of the processor 101, or the memory controller 118 may be aseparate integrated circuit that is located on the same die as theprocessor 101. The memory controller 118 may be configured to manage thetransfer of data to and from the system memory 105 of the IHS 100 via ahigh-speed memory interface 104.

The system memory 105 that is coupled to processor 101 provides theprocessor 101 with a high-speed memory that may be used in the executionof computer program instructions by the processor 101. Accordingly,system memory 105 may include memory components, such as such as staticRAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), NAND Flash memory, suitable forsupporting high-speed memory operations by the processor 101. In certainembodiments, system memory 105 may combine both persistent, non-volatilememory and volatile memory. In certain embodiments, the system memory105 may be comprised of multiple removable memory modules.

IHS 100 utilizes a chipset 103 that may include one or more integratedcircuits that are connect to processor 101. In the embodiment of FIG. 1,processor 101 is depicted as a component of chipset 103. In otherembodiments, all of chipset 103, or portions of chipset 103 may beimplemented directly within the integrated circuitry of the processor101. Chipset 103 provides the processor(s) 101 with access to a varietyof resources accessible via bus 102. In IHS 100, bus 102 is illustratedas a single element. Various embodiments may utilize any number of busesto provide the illustrated pathways served by bus 102.

As illustrated, a variety of resources may be coupled to theprocessor(s) 101 of the IHS 100 through the chipset 103. For instance,chipset 103 may be coupled to a network interface 109 that may supportdifferent types of network connectivity. In certain embodiments, IHS 100may include one or more Network Interface Controllers (NICs), each ofwhich may implement the hardware required for communicating via aspecific networking technology, such as Wi-Fi, BLUETOOTH, Ethernet andmobile cellular networks (e.g., CDMA, TDMA, LTE). As illustrated,network interface 109 may support network connections by wired networkcontrollers 122 and wireless network controller 123. Each networkcontroller 122, 123 may be coupled via various buses to the chipset 103of IHS 100 in supporting different types of network connectivity, suchas the network connectivity utilized by applications of the operatingsystem of IHS 100.

Chipset 103 may also provide access to one or more display device(s)108, 113 via graphics processor 107. In certain embodiments, graphicsprocessor 107 may be comprised within a video or graphics card or withinan embedded controller installed within IHS 100. In certain embodiments,graphics processor 107 may be integrated within processor 101, such as acomponent of a system-on-chip. Graphics processor 107 may generatedisplay information and provide the generated information to one or moredisplay device(s) 108, 113 coupled to the IHS 100. The one or moredisplay devices 108, 113 coupled to IHS 100 may utilize LCD, LED, OLED,or other display technologies. Each display device 108, 113 may becapable of receiving touch inputs such as via a touch controller thatmay be an embedded component of the display device 108, 113 or graphicsprocessor 107, or may be a separate component of IHS 100 accessed viabus 102. As illustrated, IHS 100 may support an integrated displaydevice 108, such as a display integrated into a laptop, tablet, 2-in-1convertible device, or mobile device. In some embodiments, IHS 100 maybe a hybrid laptop computer that includes dual integrated displaysincorporated in both of the laptop panels. IHS 100 may also support useof one or more external displays 113, such as external monitors that maybe coupled to IHS 100 via various types of couplings.

In certain embodiments, chipset 103 may utilize one or more I/Ocontrollers 110 that may each support hardware components such as userI/O devices 111 and sensors 112. For instance, I/O controller 110 mayprovide access to one or more user I/O devices 110 such as a keyboard,mouse, touchpad, touchscreen, microphone, speakers, camera and otherinput and output devices that may be coupled to IHS 100. Each of thesupported user I/O devices 111 may interface with the I/O controller 110through wired or wireless connections. In certain embodiments, sensors112 accessed via I/O controllers 110 may provide access to datadescribing environmental and operating conditions of IHS 100. Forinstance, sensors 112 may include geo-location sensors capable forproviding a geographic location for IHS 100, such as a GPS sensor orother location sensors configured to determine the location of IHS 100based on triangulation and network information. Various additionalsensors, such as optical, infrared and sonar sensors, that may providesupport for xR (virtual, augmented, mixed reality) sessions hosted bythe IHS 100.

As illustrated, I/O controllers 110 may include a USB controller 111that, in some embodiments, may also implement functions of a USB hub. Insome embodiments, USB controller 111 may be a dedicated microcontrollerthat is coupled to the motherboard of IHS 100. In other embodiments, USBcontroller 111 may be implemented as a function of another component,such as a component of a SoC of IHS 100, embedded controller 126,processors 101 or of an operating system of IHS 100. USB controller 111supports communications between IHS 100 and one or more USB devicescoupled to IHS 100, whether the USB devices may be coupled to IHS 100via wired or wireless connections. In some embodiments, a USB controller111 may operate one or more USB drivers that detect the coupling of USBdevices and/or power inputs to USB ports 127 a-n. USB controller 111 mayinclude drivers that implement functions for supporting communicationsbetween IHS 100 and coupled USB devices, where the USB drivers maysupport communications according to various USB protocols (e.g., USB2.0, USB 3.0). In providing functions of a hub, USB controller 111 maysupport concurrent couplings by multiple USB devices via one or more USBports 127 a-n supported by IHS 100.

In some embodiments, USB controller 111 may control the distribution ofboth data and power transmitted via USB ports 127 a-n. For instance, USBcontroller 111 may support data communications with USB devices that arecoupled to the USB ports 127 a-n according to data communicationprotocols set forth by USB standards. The power transmissions supportedby USB controller 111 may include incoming charging inputs received viaUSB ports 127 a-n, as well as outgoing power outputs that aretransmitted from IHS 100 to USB devices that are coupled to USB ports127 a-n. In some embodiments, USB controller 111 may interoperate withembedded controller 126 in routing power inputs received via USB ports127 a-n to a battery charger 120 supported by the power supply unit 115of IHS 100. USB controller 111 may negotiate the transmission of powerinputs received via USB ports 127 a-n, where these power inputs mayinclude USB-PD power inputs, as well as high-power inputs of up to 60volts. Using a high-power conversion circuit 126, the power supply unit115 may convert received supply inputs of up to 60 volts to voltages(e.g., 18-20 volts) suitable for use in rapidly charging the internalbatteries 124 of IHS 100, supporting high-power operations of IHS 100and/or serving as a power source for external devices that are coupledto a USB port 127 a-n of IHS 100. In some scenarios, the operation ofpower conversion circuit 112 may support power transfers that supporthigh-power operations of the IHS, while still providing sufficient powerto also continue in providing power to external devices coupled to a USBport 127 an-n of IHS 100. As described in additional detail below, inscenarios where a multimode USB-C adapter according to embodiments isdetected as being coupled to one of the USB ports 127 a-n, USBcontroller 111 may receive inputs from embedded controller 126 thatdirect power received at USB ports 127 a-n to be routed to a high-powerconversion circuit 128.

Other components of IHS 100 may include one or more I/O ports 116 thatsupport removeable couplings with various types of peripheral externaldevices. I/O ports 116 may include various types of ports and couplingsthat support connections with external devices and systems, eitherthrough temporary couplings via ports, such as HDMI ports, accessible toa user via the enclosure of the IHS 100, or through more permanentcouplings via expansion slots provided via the motherboard or via anexpansion card of IHS 100, such as PCIe slots.

Chipset 103 also provides processor 101 with access to one or morestorage devices 119. In various embodiments, storage device 119 may beintegral to the IHS 100, or may be external to the IHS 100. In certainembodiments, storage device 119 may be accessed via a storage controllerthat may be an integrated component of the storage device. Storagedevice 119 may be implemented using any memory technology allowing IHS100 to store and retrieve data. For instance, storage device 119 may bea magnetic hard disk storage drive or a solid-state storage drive. Incertain embodiments, storage device 119 may be a system of storagedevices, such as a cloud drive accessible via network interface 109.

As illustrated, IHS 100 also includes a BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)117 that may be stored in a non-volatile memory accessible by chipset103 via bus 102. In some embodiments, BIOS 117 may be implemented usinga dedicated microcontroller coupled to the motherboard of IHS 100. Insome embodiments, BIOS 117 may be implemented as operations of embeddedcontroller 126. Upon powering or restarting IHS 100, processor(s) 101may utilize BIOS 117 instructions to initialize and test hardwarecomponents coupled to the IHS 100. The BIOS 117 instructions may alsoload an operating system for use by the IHS 100. The BIOS 117 providesan abstraction layer that allows the operating system to interface withthe hardware components of the IHS 100. The Unified Extensible FirmwareInterface (UEFI) was designed as a successor to BIOS. As a result, manymodern IHSs utilize UEFI in addition to or instead of a BIOS. As usedherein, BIOS is intended to also encompass UEFI.

Some IHS 100 embodiments may utilize an embedded controller 126 that maybe a motherboard component of IHS 100 and may include one or more logicunits. In certain embodiments, embedded controller 126 may operate froma separate power plane from the main processors 101, and thus from theoperating system functions of IHS 100. In some embodiments, firmwareinstructions utilized by embedded controller 126 may be used to operatea secure execution environment that may include operations for providingvarious core functions of IHS 100, such as power management andmanagement of certain operating modes of IHS 100.

Embedded controller 126 may also implement operations for interfacingwith a power supply unit 115 in managing power for IHS 100. In certaininstances, the operations of embedded controller may determine the powerstatus of IHS 100, such as whether IHS 100 is operating strictly frombattery power, whether any charging inputs are being received by powersupply unit 115, and/or the appropriate mode for charging the one ormore battery cells 124 a-n using the available charging inputs. Embeddedcontroller 126 may support routing and use of power inputs received viaa USB port 127 a-n and/or via a power port 125 supported by the powersupply unit 115. In addition, operations of embedded controller 126 mayprovide battery status information, such as the current charge level ofthe cells 124 a-n of battery 124.

Embedded controller 126 may implement operations for utilizing thecapabilities of the high-power conversion circuit 128 in supportingimproved utilization of the power stored by battery system 124 of IHS100. In particular, embedded controller 126 may interface with powersupply unit 115 in monitoring the battery state, such as the voltagelevel, of battery 124. As described in additional detail with regard toFIGS. 3 and 4, when the voltage stored in battery 124 drops below alow-voltage threshold, continuing to draw a constant supply of powerfrom the battery results in high currents in the drawn power. Inlow-voltage battery conditions, drawing power at high currents becomesprohibitive with regards to the resulting heat in the power circuits ofthe power supply unit 115 and with regard to the feasiblecurrent-carrying capacity of the power circuit of an IHS. Accordingly,when operating from power stored in battery system 124, embeddedcontroller 126 may detect when the voltage of the battery system 124drops below a low-voltage threshold. In some embodiments, battery system124 may include logic configured to monitor available voltage and tonotify embedded controller 126 when this available voltage drops below alow-voltage threshold. In such embodiments, battery system 124 may beconfigured to report additional battery state information to embeddedcontroller 126 for use in determining when to utilize the high-powerconversion circuit.

At the low-voltage threshold of available battery power, embeddedcontroller 126 may route the output of battery 124 to the high-powerconversion circuit 128 via pathway 115 a. As described in additionaldetail with regard to FIGS. 3 and 4, the resulting increase in voltagein the power drawn from battery 124 also results in lower currents inthe power circuits and power delivery traces during low-voltage batteryconditions. When the charge level of battery 124 drops below a secondlow-voltage threshold, embedded controller 126 may transition the IHS toan off-power state in implementing a battery protection mode thatpreserves a minimal power level in battery 124.

In management of operating modes of IHS 100, embedded controller 126 mayimplement operations for detecting certain changes to the physicalconfiguration of IHS 100 and managing the modes corresponding todifferent physical configurations of IHS 100. For instance, where IHS100 is a laptop computer or a convertible laptop computer, embeddedcontroller 126 may receive inputs from a lid position sensor that maydetect whether the two sides of the laptop have been latched together toa closed position. In response to lid position sensor detecting latchingof the lid of IHS 100, embedded controller 126 may initiate operationsfor shutting down IHS 100 or placing IHS 100 in a low-power mode.

In this manner, IHS 100 may support the use of various power modes. Insome embodiments, the power modes of IHS 100 may be implemented throughoperations of the embedded controller 126 and power supply unit 115. Invarious embodiments, a mobile IHS 100 may support various low powermodes in order to reduce power consumption and/or conserve power storedin battery 124 when mobile IHS 100 is not actively in use. The powermodes may include a fully on state in which all, or substantially all,available components of mobile IHS 100 may be fully powered andoperational. In a fully off power mode, processor(s) 101 may poweredoff, any integrated storage devices 119 may be powered off, and/orintegrated displays 108 may be powered off. In an intermediate low-powermode, various components of mobile IHS 100 may be powered down, butmobile IHS 100 remains ready for near-immediate use. In a standby powermode, which may be referred to as a sleep state or hibernation state,state information may be stored to storage devices 119 and all but aselected set of components and low-power functions of mobile IHS 100,such as standby functions supported by embedded controller 126, are shutdown.

As described, IHS 100 may also include a power supply unit 115 thatreceives power inputs used for charging batteries 124 from which the IHS100 operates. IHS 100 may include a power port 125 to which an ACadapter may be coupled to provide IHS 100 with a DC supply of power. TheDC power input received at power port 125 may be utilized by a batterycharger 120 for recharging one or more internal batteries 124 of IHS100. As illustrated, batteries 124 utilized by IHS 100 may include oneor more cells 124 a-n that may connected in series or in parallel. Powersupply unit 115 may support various modes for charging the cells 124 a-nof battery 124 based on the power supply available to IHS 100 and thecharge levels of the battery system 124.

In certain embodiments, power supply unit 115 of IHS 100 may include apower port controller 114 that is operable for configuring operations bypower port 125. In certain embodiments, power port controller 114 may bean embedded controller that is a motherboard component of IHS 100, afunction supported by a power supply unit 115 embedded controller, or afunction supported by a system-on-chip implemented by processors 101. Insome embodiments, power port controller 114 may exchange communications,such as PSID (Power Supply Identifier) signals, with a multimode ACadapter coupled to power port 125 in identifying the adapter andnegotiating its output. As described in additional detail regard to thebelow embodiments, in scenarios where a high-power supply is detected asbeing coupled to power port 125, power port controller 114 may receiveinputs from embedded controller 126 directing the power supply inputreceived at power port 125 to be routed to a high-power conversioncircuit 128.

Using the high-power conversion circuit 128, the power supply unit 115converts received supply inputs of up to 60 volts to a voltage (e.g.,18-20 volts) suitable for use in charging the internal battery system124 of IHS 100, directly powering the operations of IHS 100 and/orproviding power to external devices coupled to IHS 100. In scenarioswhere the supply voltage is being provided via a USB-C port 127 a-n,USB-C power cords may be limited to transmitting 5 amps of current. Insuch instances, the high-power conversion circuit 128 may convertreceived 5-amp supply inputs of up to 60 volts to a power supply ofapproximately 18 volts/12 amps that is usable by IHS 100. In thismanner, high power conversion circuit 128 may support use of USB-Ccouplings for transmission of power at voltages up to 60 volts andconversion of the supply voltage in a manner that supports powerrequirements above 200 watts, in some cases above 250 watts.

In some embodiments, high-power conversion circuit 128 may beimplemented using a buck converter that includes a set of digitalvoltage dividers (i.e., digital potentiometers) that may be driven athigh frequencies (e.g., 10 MHz) in order to support high-efficiencyvoltage conversion. In some embodiments, the digital voltage dividers ofthe high-power conversion circuit 128 may be configured for being drivenat high frequencies via the use of switching elements that utilize aGaAs semiconductor, as the inventors have recognized this configurationprovides efficiency improvements over existing power supply techniquesused to deliver power in the range of 60 volts. Existing buck convertersthat are utilized to support IHS power supplies operate using analog,capacitive voltage dividers. When converting a 54-volt input to an18-volt output using such existing capacitive buck converters,conversion efficiencies are typically around 88%, thus generating up to25 watts of heat. By utilizing digital voltage dividers driven at highfrequencies, up to 98% conversion efficiencies may be obtained. Throughsuch high efficiency conversion, heat dissipation remains manageable atapproximately 5 watts. In some embodiments, high-power conversioncircuit 128 may be a buck-boost converter, where the buck operationsutilize digital voltage dividers and boost operations may be implementedusing capacitive or inductive converters. As described in additionaldetail with regard to FIG. 2B, in embodiments where high-powerconversion circuit 128 includes buck and boost capabilities, a multimodeAC adapter according to embodiments may include the same high-powerconversion circuit 128 that utilizes the converter's boost capabilitiesto efficiently generate outputs of up to 60 volts for transmission toIHS 100, where the circuit's buck capabilities are used to efficientlyconvert the supply to a voltage suitable for use by the IHS. Asdescribed in additional detail with regard to FIGS. 3 and 4, this sameboost capabilities of a high-power conversion circuit 128 used by amultimode AC adapter may also be used to support efficient use of powerfrom batteries in low-voltage conditions.

In various embodiments, an IHS 100 does not include each of thecomponents shown in FIG. 1. In various embodiments, an IHS 100 mayinclude various additional components in addition to those that areshown in FIG. 1. Furthermore, some components that are represented asseparate components in FIG. 1 may in certain embodiments instead beintegrated with other components. For example, in certain embodiments,all or a portion of the functionality provided by the illustratedcomponents may instead be provided by components integrated into the oneor more processor(s) 101 as a systems-on-a-chip.

FIG. 2A is a diagram depicting components of a multimode power systemaccording to various embodiments, where that system includes a multimodeAC power adapter 210 coupled to an IHS that is a laptop computer 205.Multimode AC adapter 210 may be capable of providing supply voltages tolaptop 205 that may include standard USB-PD output voltages, as well ashigh-power output voltages of up to 60 volts. Power provided by AC poweradapter 210 may be used to charge the internal batteries of laptopcomputer 205 using power supplied via a power port or via a USB-C portof laptop 205. Via these supported power supply modes, multimode ACpower adapter 210 may be used to charge the batteries of various typesof portable IHSs, such as tablets, 2-1 laptops, convertible laptops,smartphones, smart watches, cameras, toys, gaming accessories, andvarious other types of devices. Embodiments may be implemented using allvarieties of IHSs that operate on DC power supplied using rechargeablebatteries and that charge these batteries using DC power converted by anAC adapter 210.

A multimode AC power adapter 210 according to embodiments may includeseveral connected components that operate to draw AC power from anelectrical outlet 215 and convert the AC power to a DC output fordelivery to an IHS, such as the laptop 205 of FIG. 2. One end of the ACpower adapter 210 includes an AC plug 210 a that includes prongs thatmay be inserted into slots provided by an AC electrical outlet 215. Manydifferent types of AC plugs 210 a are utilized throughout the world,with different plugs from different regions utilizing different numbers,shapes and orientations of the prongs that conform to the electricaloutlets used in a region. In North America, most general-purposeelectrical outlets deliver 120 V of AC at a frequency of 60 hertz.

As illustrated, an AC electrical cord 210 b of multimode AC adapter 210connects AC plug 210 a to multimode converter 210 c. In manyembodiments, AC electrical cord 210 b may be removeable from converter210 c. Embodiments may also include AC electrical cords 210 b that arefixed to converter 210 c. A function of a multimode converter 210 c isto convert the AC received from power cord 210 b to a DC output that canbe used to power IHSs that are compatible with the AC adapter 210. Incertain instances, converter 210 c may be referred to as a power brick.In some embodiments, multimode converter 210 c may generate outputs inaccordance with USB-PD protocols and may also generate high-poweroutputs that exceed the maximum 20 volts outputs of USB-PD, such asoutputs up to 60 volts. In this manner, a multimode converter 210 c maysupport multiple output supply modes, thus providing support forproviding power to a range of IHSs, including IHSs such as high-powerlaptop computers. In some scenarios, the ability to efficiently supporthigh-power supply modes allows high-power operations of the IHS 205 tobe supported while still providing sufficient additional power to serveas a power source for devices coupled to IHS 205.

In some embodiments, the multimode AC power adapter may support anominal high-power charging transmission of 54 volts, thus allowing for10 percent fluctuations in the actual charging output while stillmaintaining outputs below 60 volts. Typical embodiments may supportother nominal charging supply voltages between 50 volts and 60 voltsdepending on the anticipated fluctuations in the actual charging input.Many embodiments may support nominal supply voltages ranging from 54volts to 56 volts. Some embodiments may be configured to supportcharging supply voltages significantly below 50 volts.

In supporting of these multiple output supply modes, converter 210 c maysupport identification of the multimode AC adapter 210 to the coupledIHS, where this identification information may be utilized inconfiguring the DC power output generated by converter 210 c andtransmitted to IHS 205. Converter 210 c may also support capabilitiesfor negotiating with IHS 205 to determine the parameters of the DCoutput supply voltage generated by converter 210 c. The DC outputgenerated by converter 210 c is provided to laptop 205 via a DC powercord 210 d that supplies the DC output via a connector that is receivedby a port of the laptop.

DC cord 210 d includes a DC plug 210 f that may be received by a port ofconverter 210 c. In the illustrated embodiment, the DC plug 210 f is aUSB-C connector that is received by a USB-C port of converter 210 c. TheDC plug 210 e on the opposite end of DC cord 210 d may be an identicalto DC plug 210 f and may thus also be a USB-C connector that is receivedby a USB-C port 205 b of IHS 205. In such embodiments, DC cord 210 d maybe a reversible USB-C cable with USB-C connectors on each end. In someembodiments, multimode AC adapter 210 may also support use of a DC cord210 d that, instead of USB-C connectors, includes a barrel connector forDC plug 210 f that is received by a corresponding power port ofconverter 210 c and also includes a barrel connector for DC plug 210 ethat is received by a power port 205 a of IHS 205. In some embodiments,a DC cord 210 d utilizing barrel connector DC plugs 210 e and 210 f maybe reversible. In some embodiments, converter 210 c may include both oneor more USB-C ports and a barrel connector power port, thus supportingtwo types of removeable DC cords 210 d. In some embodiments, converter210 c may support a single fixed DC cord 210 d that may be a USB-C cordor a DC power code utilizing a barrel connector. As described,embodiments may support the transmission of power at voltages up to 60volts, while adhering to the 5-amp limitation on some USB-C cords 210 d.The high-power conversion circuit of IHS 205 may then be used toefficiently convert the transmitted power to a usable voltage in amanner that may provide over 200 watts of power to IHS 205. Through useof the high-power conversion circuit, high-power IHSs may be supportedusing thin USB-C cords 210 d, thus promoting the use of thinner and moreportable multimode AC adapters 210 for use by a large range of IHSs,including IHSs capable of utilizing more than 200 watts of power, and insome cases up to 250 watts of power. In addition, the efficientconversion provided by the high-power conversion circuit supports theuse of thinner barrel connectors and thinner cabling for DC cords thatare received by the power port of the IHS. As described, IHSs continueto get thinner and more portable. In some IHSs, the IHS power port thatreceives a cylindrical barrel connector is one of the thickestcomponents of the IHS. By supporting thinner barrel connectors, thediameter of the power ports supported IHSs can also be reduced, thusproviding an opportunity to make IHSs still thinner.

FIG. 2B is a diagram depicting additional components of a multimodepower system according to various embodiments, where the system includesa multimode converter 210 c of AC power adapter coupled to an IHS 205.In FIG. 2B, certain of the internal components of a multimode converter2101 c, according to some embodiments, are illustrated. Multimodeconverter 210 c receives AC power drawn from AC outlet 215 and providesportable IHS 205 with a supply of DC power. Multimode converter 210 cmay utilize an AC/DC converter 210 h that receives the AC power andgenerates a supply of DC power that may be supplied to a multimoderegulator 210 m. Based on configurations provided by a controller 210 iof the converter 210 c, multimode regulator 210 m may supply a regulatedsupply of DC power to a power port 210 g of the converter or to ahigh-power conversion circuit 210 j.

As described, in some embodiments, converter 210 c may be coupled tomobile IHS 205 via a USB-C cable. Other embodiments may utilize a DCcable that couples to IHS 205 via a barrel connector coupling. The DCcabling, whether USB-C or a DC barrel connector cabling, may be receivedby a port 210 g of the converter. The DC cable may be removable fromport 210 g, or may be fixed to port 210 g. In some embodiments,converter 210 c may include separate USB-C and DC barrel connector portsthat may operate in the manner described for port 210 g. Upon the ACconverter being coupled to IHS 205, converter 210 c and IHS 205 mayinitiate handshake procedures for identifying the capabilities of the ACadapter and in negotiating an output of converter 210 c.

In USB-C embodiments, controller 210 i of converter 210 c and a USBcontroller of IHS 205, such as USB controller 111 of FIG. 1, mayinitiate USB-PD communications via a data pin of the USB-C coupling indetermining the USB-PD outputs supported by converter 210 c and innegotiating a USB-PD output (e.g., 5V, 9V, 15V, 20V) to be supplied toIHS 205 by converter 210 c. Additionally, embodiments may supplementthese USB-PD communications with additional communications conductedbetween controller 210 i and the USB controller of IHS 205 via a datapin of the USB-C coupling. These additional communications may identifyconverter 210 c as being a multimode converter capable of providinghigh-power outputs of up to 60 volts. The additional communications mayalso support negotiating a particular supply output by converter 210 c.In some embodiments, these additional communications for supportinghigh-power operations may be PSID signals that are transmitted alongdata pins of the USB-C coupling.

In embodiments that utilize a DC coupling with a barrel connector, asimilar negotiation may be conducted between controller 210 i ofconverter 210 c and a power port controller of IHS 205, such as powerport controller 114 of FIG. 1. In such embodiments, controller 210 i andthe power port controller of IHS 205 may exchange PSID messages via adata line included in the DC cabling. The exchanged PSID messages mayidentify converter 210 c as a multimode converter capable of generatinghigh-power outputs, as well as specifying ordinary power outputs thatare supported by the converter. Additional PSID messages may beexchanged that negotiate a supply output by converter 210 c.

As indicated in FIG. 2B, controller 210 i may utilize a data pathway 210k in receiving data line communications received by port 210 g, whetherthe port is a USB-C port that transmits USB data pin communications orwhether port 210 g is a DC port relaying on PSID communications. Basedon such data communications, controller 210 i may specify thecapabilities of converter 210 c to IHS 205 and may negotiate the outputto be supplied by converter 210 c. Once the supply output of converter210 c has been negotiated, controller 210 i may configure multimoderegulator 210 m for generating the negotiated output. In some instances,port 210 g may be a USB-C power cord and controller 210 i may negotiatea USB-PD output by converter 210 c. In such instances, controller 210 imay configure multimode regulator 210 m to deliver a USB-PD output, viapower pathway 210 n, to port 210 g. In other instances, controller 210 imay negotiate a high-power output by converter 210 c. In such instances,controller 210 i may configure multimode regulator 210 m to route itsoutput to high-power conversion circuit 210 j for generating ahigh-power output of a voltage up to 60 volts and delivering greaterthan 200 watts of power.

As described with regard to FIG. 1, a high-power conversion circuit 128may be utilized by an IHS 100 to efficiently convert high-power supplyinputs of up to 60 volts to a voltage (e.g., 18-20 volts) suitable ofuse by IHS 100. In some embodiments, the high-power conversion circuit128 of IHS 100 may be a buck-boost converter that may include capacitiveand/or inductive boost capabilities. In some embodiments, the boostcapabilities of this same buck-boost, high-power conversion circuit 210j may be utilized by multimode AC converter 210 c in efficientlygenerating high-power supply outputs. In such embodiments, the sameconversion circuit may be utilized by both the power supply unit of IHS205 and the AC converter 210 c. In some embodiments, boost capabilitiesof a high-power conversion circuit 210 j may be implemented usingcapacitive elements, such as switched capacitors that may be driven athigh frequencies in order to provide high-efficiency conversions with aslittle as 2% loss. Such capacitive conversion elements provide efficientconversions but are capable of supporting only a limited number ofconversion ratios, thus limiting the use of capacitive elements to usein converting a certain set of input and output voltages. Someembodiments may additionally or alternatively implement boostcapabilities using inductive elements, thus operating at reducedefficiencies, but providing the ability to support a wider range orconversions. In some embodiments, the high-power conversion circuit 210j included in multimode AC converter 210 c may include only boostconverter capabilities, and may thus provide complimentary capabilitiesto a buck converter or buck-boost high-power conversion circuit 128 inthe coupled IHS 205.

As described with regard to the high-power conversion circuit of FIG. 1,existing conversion circuits typically utilize analog voltage dividersin converting received supply voltages to a voltage for use by thebattery charging system. Embodiments may utilize a series of digitalvoltage dividers that generate significantly less heat than analogvoltage dividers in performing such conversions. For instance, theembedded controller may negotiate a 54-volt transmission by a multimodeAC adapter, which may be converted to an 18 volt output using cascadingdigital voltage dividers of the high-power conversion circuit.Implementing this particular conversion using existing analog voltagedividers may require three or more analog voltage dividing circuits,thus resulting in conversion efficiencies of approximately 88 percent.Such levels of inefficiency not only result in wasted power, but alsomay generate up to 25 watts of heat within the IHS conversion circuit.Digital voltage divider conversion may result in efficienciesapproaching 98 percent, thus resulting in a loss of approximately 5watts. In some embodiments, the embedded controller may negotiate alower supply voltage, such as 36-volts, with the multimode AC adapter,thus requiring use of only a single digital voltage divider by thehigh-power conversion circuit to reach an 18-volt output, whilegenerating even less heat.

In some embodiments, the boost capabilities of the high-power conversioncircuit may be similarly configured to efficiently generate variousoutputs, such as for use in support of improved battery utilization. Forinstance, when drawing power from a battery in a low-voltage scenariothe number and/or type of multiplication circuits configured for usewithin a boost capability of the high-power conversion circuit may beselected based on the available battery voltage, the voltage of thesupply needed to support IHS operations and/or the current levels thatwould result from a particular multiplication. For instance, embodimentsmay utilize a capacitive voltage multiplication that doubles the outputvoltage during a first phase of the voltage battery condition, but asvoltage drops further switching to use of an inducive voltagemultiplication capability in order generate a fractional voltagemultiplication that will result in use of all available battery poweruntil a protection mode has been reached.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating steps of a process according tovarious embodiments for multimode conversion of power that providesimproved battery utilization. In some scenarios, embodiments may beginat block 305 with the coupling of a power source to a USB-C port of anIHS. As described with regard to FIG. 1, an IHS according to embodimentsmay include a USB controller that detects the coupling of a device toone or more USB-C ports supported by the IHS. For instance, uponcoupling a USB-C connector of an AC adapter, such as AC adapter 210described with regard to FIG. 2, to a USB-C port of an IHS, an USBcontroller of the IHS may detect a voltage on one or more power pins ofthe USB-C port.

In response to detecting a coupling of a power source to a USB-C port,at block 310, an IHS according to embodiments may determine whether thepower source is a multimode USB-C adapter that supports high-powersupply transmissions. In certain embodiments, the converter portion of aUSB-C adapter, such as converter 210 c of FIG. 2, may include circuitryand/or logic that detects a voltage being drawn by an IHS via the DCpower cord of the adapter. In such embodiments, upon detecting a voltagedrawn by the IHS, the USB-C adapter may be configured to generate apower supply identification (PSID) signal that is transmitted on a datachannel supported by the USB-C adapter. The USB controller of the IHSmay detect the transmission of such PSID signals by the USB-C adapter.The PSID signal may be detected by the USB controller and forwarded toan embedded controller, such as embedded controller 126 of the IHS ofFIG. 1, that supports certain power mode configurations of the IHS.Based on the received PSID signal, the embedded controller may determinecharacteristics of the USB-C adapter, such as whether it supportshigh-power supply transmissions, as well as the USB-PD modes that aresupported.

As described, an embedded controller of the IHS may negotiate with themultimode AC adapter for a high-power transmission of up to 60 voltsUpon negotiating a high-power transmission by a multimode AC adapter,the embedded controller may route the high-power transmission to ahigh-power conversion circuit of the IHS power supply unit. Thehigh-power conversion circuit may utilize a set of digital voltagedividers to efficiently convert the delivered high-power voltage to alower voltage suitable for use in charging the battery system. Using theoutput of the high-power conversion circuit, at block 315, the batterysystem of the IHS may be charged. With the battery system charged eitherfully or partially, at block 320, the multimode AC adapter is decoupledfrom the IHS. With the power source no longer coupled, at block 325,power for IHS operations is drawn from the battery system.

While operating from battery power, the IHS may still conduct high-poweroperations and may still provide power to external devices coupled tothe IHS. As the power stored in the battery system is consumed, thevoltage stored in the battery decreases. At block 330, the batteryvoltage drops below a low-voltage threshold. As the voltage stored inthe battery decreases, an corresponding increase in current is requiredin order to maintain a constant power output by the battery system. Asdescribed in additional detail with regard to FIG. 4, the increase incurrent required to maintain a constant power output during low-voltageconditions results in the need to account for higher currents in thepower circuit of an IHS. These currents become prohibitively high as thevoltage in the battery continues to drop. Accordingly, a portion of theenergy stored within the battery system may be unusable by the IHS dueto the high currents that are required to draw power from a low-voltagebattery system. In existing systems, once a threshold for current in thepower circuit is reached, no more power can be drawn from the batterysystem.

Using the embodiments provided herein, when such a low-voltage conditionis identified, the power circuit of an IHS may route the power beingdrawn from the battery system to the high-power conversion circuit. Asdescribed above, in some embodiments, a high-power conversion circuitmay include digital voltage dividers as well as boost capabilities, suchas provided by inductive or capacitive voltage multipliers. Using ahigh-power conversion circuit including both buck and boost capabilitiessupports use of the same high-power conversion circuit by a multimode ACadapter to support high-power transmissions and for supporting efficientuse of power stored in low-voltage battery systems. At block 335, thepower drawn from a battery that has reached a low-voltage condition isrouted to the high-power conversion circuit. Using the same boostcapabilities as used by a multimode AC adapter, the voltage of thebattery output is multiplied, thus resulting in a corresponding drop inthe current level of the battery output. Now providing power at areduced current, power may continue to be drawn from the battery system.In this manner, power may be drawn from battery systems in a low-voltagecondition while avoiding the need to design the power circuit to accountfor high currents that are otherwise required to draw power duringlow-voltage conditions.

With the battery output routed through the high-power conversioncircuit, at block 340, the voltage of the battery eventually drops belowa second low-voltage threshold. In many battery systems, discharge ofbattery below a certain threshold may trigger a protection mode thatmaintains a minimal battery charge level for use in supporting certaincore functions and initiating charging operations once a power source isavailable. Accordingly, the use of the high-power conversion circuit mayenable drawing additional power from a battery, but once the voltage ofthe battery drops below a second low-voltage threshold, the remainingbattery power is conserved. In response to detecting a battery voltagedropping below this second low-voltage threshold, at block 345, embeddedcontroller may trigger a transition of the IHS to a power off state or astandby power state that conserves the remaining battery power.

FIG. 4 is a graph diagram illustrating certain aspects of the operationof a system configured according to various embodiments for providingmultimode power conversion in support of improved battery utilization.Diagram 400 plots two curves 440 and 455 that illustrate the voltage 440and current 445 of power drawn from a battery system over time. Asdescribed, a multimode power adapter may be used to delivery ahigh-power transmission to an IHS, where the high-power delivery isconverted to a voltage that may be used in charging a battery system ofthe IHS. In FIG. 4, a constant power output is being generated throughsuccessive cycles in which a battery system is being charged, such asusing the described multimode AC adapter, and power is then drawn fromthe charged battery system while maintaining the constant power output.

Prior to time 405, the IHS remains coupled to the multimode power sourceand the battery system has been fully charged to a maximum batteryvoltage 440 a. At time 405, the power source is decoupled from the IHSand power is drawn from the charged battery to continue powering theoperations of the IHS. As reflected in FIG. 4, during this dischargeinterval, the voltage 440 of the battery system begins to decrease, witha corresponding increase in the current 445 of the power drawn from thebattery. As described, due to the high currents that result in the powercircuit, once the voltage level drops below a threshold, additionalpower cannot be feasibly drawn from a battery. At time 410, such alow-voltage threshold is reached due to continued use of stored batterypower. In the illustrated scenario, a power source is available at time410 and charging of the battery system commences. As illustrated, theswitch to charging of the battery system results in a gradual increasein the battery voltage 440. The switch to charging of the battery systemalso results in a corresponding drop in the current 445 drawn from thebattery system, with the current 445 remaining constant as the voltage440 increases and the current 445 gradually increasing when the voltage440 has reached a maximum battery charge voltage 440 a.

At time 415, the power source is no longer coupled to the IHS and poweris again drawn from the battery system. As described, as the batteryvoltage 440 drops during this discharge phase a corresponding increasein current 445 is required to maintain a constant power output. Asillustrated, as the battery voltage 440 nears a low-voltage condition,the voltage 440 output supported by the battery begins to decrease morequickly. Approaching time 420, the rate of decrease in the batteryvoltage 440 increases, thus resulting in a rapid increase 450 in current455 in the power drawn from the battery system. Accounting for thesehigh currents resulting from drawing power during a low-voltage batterycondition requires accommodations within the power circuit of the IHS.The power circuit and power traces must be designed for maximum currentsthat can account for such spikes in current, or forgo the possibility ofdrawing additional power from a battery once it has reached thislow-voltage condition. Embodiments provide a mechanism by which suchhigh currents may be avoided during low-voltage battery conditions.

At time 420, a power source is again available and is used to charge thebattery system back to a maximum battery voltage 440 a. At time 425, thepower source is decoupled and operations according to embodiments areinitiated such that power may be drawn from a low-voltage batterywithout resulting in high currents. With the power source decoupled, thevoltage 440 output of the battery system begins to drop, resulting in agradual increase in the current 445 of the battery system output. Attime 430, a low-voltage threshold 440 b in the battery voltage isreached. As described with regard to FIG. 3, upon detecting thislow-voltage threshold 440 b, the power circuit of the IHS routes thepower drawn from battery system to the high-power conversion circuit ofthe IHS. Utilizing the boost capabilities of the high-power conversioncircuit, at time 430, the voltage 440 of the battery system outputincreases, thus resulting in a corresponding drop in the current 445 ofthe battery system output. With battery power routed to the high-powerconversion circuit, the voltage output of the battery system may bemaintained at a voltage that can be used to support IHS operation whilecurrents remain below the current levels prior to use of the high-powerconversion circuit. However, with the energy remaining in the batterycontinuing to drop, the voltage of the high-power conversion circuitoutput also drops after some duration. At time 435, the voltage 440 ofthe battery output again reaches the low-voltage threshold 440 b andfurther power draws from the battery are discontinued, in some cases topreserve a minimal charge in the battery as per a protection mode.

Through use of the high-power conversion circuit during low-voltagebattery conditions, additional power may be drawn from the batterysystem during the interval between time 430 and time 435. During thisinterval, power is drawn from a low-voltage battery without highcurrents in the battery output. Due to the operation of the high-powerconversion circuit during this interval, the power circuit of an IHS maybe designed without the need to support high currents, while stillincluding a capability for drawing power from a low-voltage battery.Accordingly, embodiments provide an opportunity to reduce the maximumcurrents that must be supported by the portions of the power circuitthat follow the high-power conversion circuit. By reducing the need tosupport higher currents, the size and weight may be reduced for thetraces that are used to transmit power in these portions of the powercircuit. The use of lower currents in power transmissions also resultsin less heat being generated within the power circuit.

It should be understood that various operations described herein may beimplemented in software executed by processing circuitry, hardware, or acombination thereof. The order in which each operation of a given methodis performed may be changed, and various operations may be added,reordered, combined, omitted, modified, etc. It is intended that theinvention(s) described herein embrace all such modifications and changesand, accordingly, the above description should be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

The terms “tangible” and “non-transitory,” as used herein, are intendedto describe a computer-readable storage medium (or “memory”) excludingpropagating electromagnetic signals; but are not intended to otherwiselimit the type of physical computer-readable storage device that isencompassed by the phrase computer-readable medium or memory. Forinstance, the terms “non-transitory computer readable medium” or“tangible memory” are intended to encompass types of storage devicesthat do not necessarily store information permanently, including, forexample, RAM. Program instructions and data stored on a tangiblecomputer-accessible storage medium in non-transitory form may afterwardsbe transmitted by transmission media or signals such as electrical,electromagnetic, or digital signals, which may be conveyed via acommunication medium such as a network and/or a wireless link.

Although the invention(s) is/are described herein with reference tospecific embodiments, various modifications and changes can be madewithout departing from the scope of the present invention(s), as setforth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figuresare to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense,and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scopeof the present invention(s). Any benefits, advantages, or solutions toproblems that are described herein with regard to specific embodimentsare not intended to be construed as a critical, required, or essentialfeature or element of any or all the claims.

Unless stated otherwise, terms such as “first” and “second” are used toarbitrarily distinguish between the elements such terms describe. Thus,these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or otherprioritization of such elements. The terms “coupled” or “operablycoupled” are defined as connected, although not necessarily directly,and not necessarily mechanically. The terms “a” and “an” are defined asone or more unless stated otherwise. The terms “comprise” (and any formof comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any formof have, such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form ofinclude, such as “includes” and “including”) and “contain” (and any formof contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linkingverbs. As a result, a system, device, or apparatus that “comprises,”“has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more elements possesses those oneor more elements but is not limited to possessing only those one or moreelements. Similarly, a method or process that “comprises,” “has,”“includes” or “contains” one or more operations possesses those one ormore operations but is not limited to possessing only those one or moreoperations.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for powering an Information Handling System (IHS), the method comprising: negotiating a high-power transmission from a multimode AC adapter coupled to a USB-C port of the IHS, wherein the multimode AC adapter supports USB-PD transmission and also supports the high-power transmissions of a voltage greater than voltages of the supported USB-PD transmissions, wherein the high-power transmissions comprise a nominal voltage greater than 50 volts and a peak voltage not exceeding 60 volts; charging a battery system of the IHS using an output of a power circuit that converts the high-power transmission to a charging voltage, wherein the power circuit converts the high-power transmission to an output of between 18 and 20 volts that is used to charge the battery system of the IHS; drawing power from the battery system of the IHS; when the battery system drops below a low-voltage threshold, routing the power drawn from the battery system to the power circuit; drawing power from the battery system of the IHS via the power circuit, wherein voltage multiplication capabilities of the power circuit are used to draw power from the battery system without increasing the current used to draw the power from the battery system; and when the battery system drops below a second low-voltage threshold, initiating an off power state of the IHS.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein routing the power drawn from the battery system to the power circuit increases the voltage of the power drawn from the battery system while operating below the low-voltage threshold.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein routing the power drawn from the battery system to the power circuit decreases the current of the power drawn from the battery system while operating below the low-voltage threshold.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the power circuit comprises a plurality of digital voltage dividers, wherein one or more of the digital voltage dividers may be selected for use in converting the negotiated high-power charging transmission to the charging voltage.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the power circuit comprises inductive and capacitive voltage multiplication capabilities operable for converting power drawn from the battery system.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the second low-voltage threshold corresponds to a protection mode of the battery system.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein routing the power drawn from the battery system to the power circuit reduces heat generated while operating below the low-voltage threshold.
 8. A system for powering an Information Handling System (IHS), the system comprising: a multimode AC (Alternating Current) adapter configured to supply power transmissions comprising USB-PD (Universal Serial Bus Power Delivery) transmissions and further comprising high-power transmissions of a voltage greater than voltages of the of USB-PD transmissions, wherein the high-power transmissions comprise a nominal voltage greater than 50 volts and a peak voltage not exceeding 60 volts; and the IHS configured to: negotiate the high-power transmission from a multimode AC adapter coupled to a USB-C port of the IHS; charge a battery system of the IHS using an output of a power circuit that converts the high-power transmission to a charging voltage, wherein the power circuit converts the high-power transmission to an output of between 18 and 20 volts that is used to charge the battery system of the IHS; draw power from the battery system of the IHS; when the battery system drops below a low-voltage threshold, route the power drawn from the battery system to the power circuit; draw power from the battery system of the IHS via the power circuit, wherein voltage multiplication capabilities of the power circuit are used to draw power from the battery system without increasing the current use to draw the power from the battery system; and when the battery system drops below a second low-voltage threshold, initiate an off power state of the IHS.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein routing the power drawn from the battery system to the power circuit increases the voltage of the power drawn from the battery system while operating below the low-voltage threshold.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein routing the power drawn from the battery system to the power circuit decreases the current of the power drawn from the battery system while operating below the low-voltage threshold.
 11. The system of claim 8, wherein the second low-voltage threshold corresponds to a protection mode of the battery system.
 12. The system of claim 8, wherein the power circuit comprises a plurality of digital voltage dividers, wherein one or more of the digital voltage dividers may be selected for use in converting the negotiated high-power charging transmission to the charging voltage, and wherein the power circuit further comprises inductive and capacitive voltage multiplication capabilities operable for converting power drawn from the battery system.
 13. The system of claim 8, wherein routing the power drawn from the battery system to the power circuit reduces heat generated while operating below the low-voltage threshold.
 14. An Information Handling System (IHS) provided power transmissions using a multimode AC adapter, the IHS comprising: one or more processors; a memory device coupled to the one or more processors, the memory device storing computer-readable instructions that, upon execution by the one or more processors, cause execution of an operating system of the IHS; a battery system; and an embedded controller comprising a memory having program instructions stored thereon that, upon execution by a logic unit of the embedded controller, cause the embedded controller to: receive a high-power transmission from a multimode AC adapter coupled to a USB-C port of the IHS, wherein the multimode AC adapter supports USB-PD transmission and also supports the high-power transmissions of a voltage greater than voltages of the supported USB-PD transmissions, wherein the high-power transmissions comprise a nominal voltage greater than 50 volts and a peak voltage not exceeding 60 volts; charge a battery system of the IHS using an output of a power circuit that converts the high-power transmission to a charging voltage, wherein the power circuit converts the high-power transmission to an output of between 18 and 20 volts that is used to charge the battery system of the IHS; draw power from the battery system of the IHS; when the battery system drops below a low-voltage threshold, route the power drawn from the battery system to the power circuit; draw power from the battery system of the IHS via the power circuit, wherein voltage multiplication capabilities of the power circuit are used to draw power from the battery system without increasing the current used to draw the power from the battery system; and when the battery system drops below a second low-voltage threshold, initiate an off power state of the IHS.
 15. The IHS of claim 14, wherein routing the power drawn from the battery system to the power circuit increases the voltage of the power drawn from the battery system while operating below the low-voltage threshold.
 16. The IHS of claim 15, wherein routing the power drawn from the battery system to the power circuit decreases the current of the power drawn from the battery system while operating below the low-voltage threshold.
 17. The IHS of claim 14, wherein the second low-voltage threshold corresponds to a protection mode of the battery system. 